US EditionThailand Drops Casino Legalisation Plans After PM Suspended
THAILAND, JUL 7 – The bill's withdrawal follows political instability and public concerns including gambling addiction and money laundering, putting 6,000 jobs linked to casino projects at risk, government estimates.
- Thailand's Cabinet dropped the entertainment complex bill to legalise casino gambling on Tuesday, July 8, amid political turmoil and public opposition.
- The withdrawal followed Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra's suspension last week over an ethics probe related to a leaked diplomatic call with Cambodia.
- The bill aimed to boost the economy by attracting investments, cracking down on illegal gambling, and positioning Thailand as a regional gambling hub.
- Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat acknowledged that the timing is not right to move forward with the bill, while government spokesperson Jirayu Huangsab explained that the Cabinet withdrew it to allow for additional analysis and consideration of its social implications.
- The bill's shelving marks a setback for the ruling Pheu Thai party and complicates efforts to pass key legislation amid a fragile coalition and mounting political uncertainty.
24 Articles
24 Articles
Bhumjaithai Party urges government to end casino policy, just withdrawing the Entertainment Complex Bill is not enough, taunting that they are afraid of losing in the House, challenging them not to withdraw, let the MPs decide in the House, if the majority votes in agreement, they will accept it.
Thai casinos take unexpected hit from PM Paentongtarn Shinawatra's suspension
The so-called “entertainment complex” bill, which aimed to authorise casinos and position Thailand as a regional gambling hub, was shelved amid mounting political uncertainty after PM Paetongtarn's suspension from office last week
Associated Press News
Thailand's Cabinet withdraws a controversial bill to legalize casinos
Thailand’s Cabinet has withdrawn a controversial bill to legalize casinos. The decision follows the suspension of Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra last week over an ethics investigation.
Thailand backtracks on legalising casino plans as political turmoil deepens
Thailand's government will withdraw a controversial bill to legalize casinos from parliament following mounting public opposition and a fresh bout of political turmoil that has reduced the ruling coalition's majority.
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